Local residents can rediscover affordable family fun at Albemarle County’s three swimming beaches this summer. On Saturday, May 23 swimming beaches at Chris Greene, Walnut Creek and Mint Springs open for the three-day holiday weekend. Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend, except when Albemarle County Schools are in session. This year, swimming will be available daily beginning on Wednesday, June 10.

Parks are open for daylight hours. The beaches themselves are open for swimming with lifeguards on duty from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition to swimming, the parks feature picnic shelters, hiking trails, and swimming lessons. Chris Greene and Walnut Creek both feature new canoes for rent. Inexpensive season passes for individuals and families are available at all three beaches and at the Parks and Recreation Office on the first floor of the County Office Building on McIntire Road. Everyone must pay the entry fee into the parks no matter how you are using them. Entry fees are listed below:

SEASON PASS:

COUNTY RESIDENT

NON-RESIDENT

Child

$30

$45

Adult

$50

$75

Family(Free babysitter included)

$100(+$20 for each over 5 people)

$150(+$30 for each over 5 people)

*Seniors age 62 and over may obtain a free season pass, Albemarle County residents only

DAILY RATE:

COUNTY RESIDENT

NON-RESIDENT

Child

$2

$3

Adult

$3

$4.50

Albemarle County Parks and Recreation has 13 parks with over 3,777 acres of parkland and 60 miles of trails. Park activities include walking, hiking, running, biking, disc golf, geocaching, swimming, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. For more information, please visit the Parks and Recreation Department online at www.albemarle.org/parks or call (434)296-5844.